MATH 328: Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

Spring 2005

Description and goals: This is an introductory course in partial differential equations with emphasis on the role of Fourier series and integrals in solving boundary value problems of mathematical physics. The primary goal here is to introduce students to a number of useful techniques for solving classical partial differential equations. However, the course will be far from a "handbook" approach to the subject. Some theoretical aspects and related mathematical ideas will also be discussed along the way.

Texts

Syllabus

Homework

A quick Maple tutorial

Check out the Midterm Exam.

Check out the Final Exam.

Announcements:

• 5/29: Check out your course grade.

• 5/28: Check out the final exam solutions.

• 4/19: Here are suggestions for the short project.

• 3/10: Here is a copy of the heat equation Maple worksheet that I used in last week's lecture.

• 2/18: Here is a copy of the Fourier series Maple worksheet that was used in yesterday's lecture. Feel free to download and experiment with.

• 2/18: Here is a follow up on the question raised during yesterday's lecture.

• 2/3: Please note the following room change : Beginning next week, we will meet in KY 321 instead of 317.

• 2/1: The Math Lab is hiring tutors for the current semester. Applicants should see Mr. David End in the Lab at KY 331. An eligible candidate must be a full-time student in legal status (e.g. a US citizen or permanent resident, or on an F1 student visa) and must have a social security card.

• 1/31: Please note that the midterm has been scheduled for Thursday March 31 (see the updated table below).

• 1/27: Welcome!

General Information and Ground Rules:

• Class lecture meetings are Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:40 - 2:55 in Kiely 321.

• Homework is posted here every Friday and is due at the next Thursday lecture. Doing homework is an absolutely essential part of this course. You are encouraged to work in groups and discuss the problems with each other, but the work that you hand in must be your own write up. Please note that late homework will never be accepted.
  
  Occasionally you will need to use packages such as Maple or Mathematica to do the homework. I will give you instructions on what to do when the time comes.

• A Project is another requirement for this course. You will be given a list of topics and supplementary reading material for the project. Presentations are not required, but you are expected to write a short expository paper (up to 5 pages) on the topic of your choice.

• The course grade will be based on the following scheme:
  
  

  Project	Homework	Midterm	Final
  10%	20%	30%	40%

• The exams are scheduled as follows:
  
  

  Midterm	Final
  Thursday March 31	Thursday May 26

• The prerequisite for this course is MATH 223. If you have not taken MATH 223 or have not passed it successfully, you should not be enrolled in this class. Please go to the Math Department office (Kiely 237) and seek advice.

• If the midterm is missed because of a documented illness or valid emergency, the course grade will be determined on the basis of the other work done during the semester. A midterm missed for other reasons will count as a failure.

• At the end of the semester, everyone who has not withdrawn from the class will receive a grade. Incompletes will never be given to avoid F's.

Saeed Zakeri